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Initial reports positive on Moyer's first outing

Initial reports positive on Moyer's first outing

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TORONTO -- Jamie Moyer's bid to crack Toronto's 25-man roster started on the right foot.

The 49-year-old made his first start at Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday and picked up the win after lasting five innings, surrendering three runs on seven hits. Moyer, who walked one and struck out six, threw 51 of his 82 pitches for strikes.

All the runs Moyer allowed came in the first two innings, off home runs, but he settled down after that, and the news Blue Jays manager John Farrell received on him was encouraging.

"Just by the linescore and brief report, the first [start] was a positive one," Farrell said.

When the Blue Jays inked Moyer, he agreed to make a two-start audition with Las Vegas, then have his future with the club decided. Farrell says that still remains the plan, and the team will "respond accordingly" after Moyer's next outing.

With the injuries the team has sustained to its starting staff, if Moyer can turn in another solid performance during his next start with the 51s, he will likely put himself in a good position to get a look with the Blue Jays. Farrell said the only way Moyer would come to Toronto, in all likelihood, would be as a starter.

"More starter, out of respect to him," Farrell said, when asked if there was a chance Moyer could pitch out of the bullpen. "Not having a chance to speak with him directly, I would think the rest and recovery period would be helpful. So, that's what we are looking at."

Moyer began the season with the Rockies, was released, then was signed and released by the Orioles, before agreeing to terms with Toronto. He is 2-5 this season at the Major League level, with a 5.70 ERA.

The crafty lefty, whose fastball was sitting between 78-81 mph according to Farrell, missed all of last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

"He is going to pitch as we've seen the last few years. He's going to work off his changeup, he's going to locate and sink the ball and pitch with a lot of savvy.

"He's a very unique pitcher, there is no doubt about that," Farrell said. "From the longevity of the career, to come back from Tommy John so late -- late in life and late in a career. He pitches to get outs. ... He has a wealth of knowledge and experience to tap into and we will see where this goes."